76ers' Andrew Bynum may not play until 2013

Philadelphia 76ers centre Andrew Bynum will miss at least five more weeks because of a bone bruise in his right knee and may not play in a game until early January.

The Associated Press · November 12, 2012

Philadelphia 76ers' Andrew Bynum, shown in this October 2012 file photo, may not play in a game until January due to a bone bruise. (File/Associated Press)

Philadelphia 76ers centre Andrew Bynum will miss at least five more weeks because of a bone bruise in his right knee and may not play in a game until early January.

When Bynum was hurt in mid-September, the team initially hoped its newly acquired star would be ready for the season opener Oct. 31. Late last month, though, the Sixers said he was out indefinitely.

Philadelphia said Monday that the new goal was for Bynum to resume "normal basketball activity" around Dec. 10. He would then need 1-4 weeks of conditioning and practice before he can play in his first game for the 76ers.

Bynum was allowed to start low-impact exercise after an MRI last week.

The Sixers acquired Bynum from the Lakers in a four-team deal that saw them ship Andre Iguodala to Denver, but he has yet to even practice with them this season.